HALIFAX—The spiritual leader of an international Buddhist organization based in Halifax is stepping back from his duties pending the outcome of an independent investigation into sexual misconduct allegations.

In a recent letter to the Shambhala International community, the office of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche says he fully supports a third-party investigation and wishes to provide the time and space for it to occur.

Members of the Shambhala leadership body are also stepping down, saying parts of the organization are broken and need to “dissolve” to make room for real change.

Nine members of the Kalapa Council say in a letter they will “exit responsibly” and have hired Halifax law firm Wickwire Holm to investigate the allegations.

The upheaval within the Buddhist community comes after a report last month detailed sexual misconduct allegations against Mipham.